HR Senior Assistant

### General Information Position Title HR Senior Assistant Job Category Human Resources Duty Station(s) Nairobi Seniority Level Entry Level ICS Level ICS 05 Contract Type ICA - LICA - Support - Regular Contract Level LICA 5 Posting Start Date 24-Sep-2026 Posting End Date 08-Oct-2026 Duration Open ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. ### Job Highlight Drive impactful HR solutions by expertly supporting people, policies, and processes. ### About the Region The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent. ### About the Country/Multi-Country Office Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. ### Job Specific Context Under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Manager, the HR Senior Assistant provides technical and administrative support for the timely processing, recording, monitoring, and maintenance of transactions across all HR management service lines, ensuring alignment with UNOPS rules, regulations, and policies. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external clients, resolving inquiries regarding routine processes and providing guidance on various HR initiatives and services. ### Role Purpose The HR Senior Assistant provides technical and administrative support to ensure the efficient processing, documentation, monitoring, and maintenance of a wide range of HR transactions and services delivered to Office personnel. ### Functions / Key Results Expected HR Advice - Provide guidance to personnel on administrative procedures, processes and practices related to the delivery of HR services. - Assist the HR Lead in engaging with internal and external clients, addressing routine inquiries and escalating complex or exceptional issues as needed. - Contribute to a positive onboarding experience by supporting the timely processing of new hire documentation and orientation tasks. - Advise personnel on standard aspects of recruitment, performance management, and learning and development processes in accordance with UNOPS policies. Talent Acquisition and Administration - Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including the preparation of offers and rejections, data entry in the HR information system (HRIS), and coordination of reference checks. - Assist in the longlisting, testing, and interviewing stages, including calculating applicable fees and documenting recruitment proceedings, particularly for General Service (GS) positions. Finalize selection and other required process approvals - Inform and advise personnel, consultants, partners, and project resources on standard conditions of service and entitlements based on their contract modality, ensuring timely and efficient onboarding. - Follow up with supervisors and personnel to ensure timely completion of HR processes such as absence requests and performance evaluations in HRIS. - Support payroll verification processes and maintain accurate HR records and reference files. - Monitor the status of HR actions, including expiring contracts and pending separations, to enable timely intervention by the HR Lead and supervisors. Knowledge Building and Sharing - Provide planning, logistical, and administrative support for HR-related training sessions and learning initiatives. - Participate in the delivery and facilitation of knowledge-sharing activities to build HR capacity within the organization. ### Skills Human Resources Policies, Human Resources Information Systems, Office Administration, Human Resources Operations ### Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. ### Education Requirements Required - Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR - Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 1 year of relevant experience is required Desired - A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in Human Resource Management (HRM) is desired. ### Experience Requirements Required - Relevant experience is work in recruitment and HR generalist services. - Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and w